Endorsed by the Huntsville Hen Alliance and other groups, the ordinance would allow city residents to raise up to three hens in backyard chicken coops. The cages would have to be set back at least 10 feet from the property line, and eggs could be for personal use only.

Because of their noisy morning calls, roosters would be strictly prohibited.

As of last week, more than 600 people had signed a Hen Alliance petition supporting the idea. The Huntsville Planning Commission is set to hold a public hearing on the urban agriculture ordinance at its Sept. 24 meeting.

What do you think?

Updated Aug. 27 at 10:12 a.m. to remove mention of North Alabama Food Bank endorsing the ordinance. The North Alabama Food Policy Council has been providing information to residents about the proposal, but the food bank's board of directors has not taken an official position on the ordinance.